Gold and Silver? Or Wood and Clay?

Vessels of honor

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:10-21).

Are you a vessel of honor in the great house belonging to God? Cleansing yourself from “the latter” means to cleanse yourself from dishonor.

As Christians, we are to live sanctified and useful lives. We are to “flee youthful lusts” (vs 22), pursuing “righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (vs. 22).

A woman presents to important guests in her home her best dishes and cutlery. On these special occasions, she doesn’t typically set down paper plates, plastic forks and gimme cups from the local fast food restaurant. She wishes to present her best for her friends.

Are we seeking to become special, so as to be the best our Lord has to offer? It takes diligence on our part to be “vessels of gold and silver.” The divisive, quarrelsome, worldly Christian is a dishonor to his Master. The vessel of honor is “gentle, able to teach, patient” (vs. 24).

It’s not enough simply to call yourself a Christian. Rather, it is expected that we be “a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master.” Does that describe you?

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Author: Stan Cox

Minister, West Side church of Christ since August of 1989 ........ Editor of Watchman Magazine (1999-2018 Archives available online @ http://watchmanmag.com) ........ Writer, The Patternists: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatternists